Let me break in upon your retirement with the wish of a happy New Year, and that it may be attended with every blessing, which life, transitory as it is, can bestow—and in this wish I comprehend every branch of your family.— The return of this season habitually brings the recollection of days long since past, of youthful attachments, and more mature connexions dissolved, as well as of the few which remain. You have passed four score, and I am but a few months from it; Benson is between us and I shall soon be followed by Harrison, Watts, and Rutgers.1 These I beleive are all that remain of our College cotemporaries. Nos turba sumus!2 I heard last May that apprehensions were entertained by your friends, that you were threatened with a new complaint. Benson however soon after informed me, that these apprehensions were dissipated, and since that I have heard that you are in your usual state of health, which I hope may long continue. I enjoy perfect bodily health, and freedom from pain. I have however been afflicted with a deterioration of my hearing, but my family think that it has within a few weeks materially [illegible] mitigated.— In this situation mixed of comforts and privations, I will, I trust submissively, “Wait the great teacher Death, and God adore.”3 With an affectionate remembrance to all under your roof, Mrs Banyar, Miss Nancy, your son William and his family, in which my Children unite, I am my dear sir, Your sincere and obliged friend,